Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Oh, Christmas Tree(s) in the House!

Each year the decorations here seem to be fewer and fewer. The garland and bows are missing from the front of the house... however, I did manage a wreath on the front door! Mr. and Mrs. Snowman aka Jer and Nandie, thanks to our granddaughter many years ago, are out. The Christmas china is still in the cabinet as are the napkins and the tea towels. A few candles have appeared around the house. The Nativity is in its place of honor. The mantle is dusted, but pretty much the same as always. Thank goodness, the motivation was here for the big tree, the little tree, and the silver tree. Each has a story... 




The big tree is done in memory of my dear friend who passed away 10 years ago and loved Christmas more than anyone I have ever known. The last Christmas card she sent from her family to ours graces the branches as does Angel Gayle near the top of the tree. 






The small tree sitting snugly in a galvanized pail on the hearth is very rustic featuring several hand carved wooden ornaments purchased by our son when he was a little guy. We may have the only tree in town with a cross and a Star of David.  The late C. M. Copeland, a gifted local artist, rendered many beautiful wooden animals over the years. I know, at some point, I will have to hand these over to him and our precious daughter-in-love... maybe next year...



Metallic silver all aglow from within by LED lights that change from white to pink to red to blue. This little one in the dining room shines in memory of my parents and their wonderful aluminum tree with the rotating color wheel. 






Christmas trees are always an opportunity to revisit Christmas past, enjoy the present, and look forward to new memories in years ahead. Our trees have changed over the years. Ornaments are added and lost and all very special in their own way.  The little sequined Mary Engelbreit teapot ornament is one of the last gifts from my sweet "chosen sister" Cindy, who left us much too soon. The little cork reindeer were a gift from son and d-i-l...I am sure no wine was wasted in the pursuit of making these cuties!  

Once the trees are up, I am reluctant to take them down. Mama used to call January 6th "Old Christmas Day"... I am not sure why, but since that is Epiphany, it is a good excuse to enjoy the glow a bit longer! 


Join Jane over at Small But Charming for Christmas in Da House festivities. 

Hope your holidays are filled with love...

May your days be merry and bright! 

Click below for one of my favorite Christmas songs (There are some pretty pictures to go along with the tune!) about my part of the world!

Christmas in Dixie by Alabama featuring Kenny Chesney


P. S. In full disclosure... they are all artificial. Many years ago when our son was a toddler and suffered from severe bouts of asthmatic bronchitis, we were cautioned by our wonderful family doctor about having a "live" tree in our home. The possibility of mold, mildew, and pollen causing an allergic reaction were just too great to take the chance. The tradition continues... better safe than sorry!